Taiwan’s first two F-16V Block 70 fighter jets have departed the United States and are expected to arrive in Taiwan soon, beginning long-delayed deliveries under the island’s order for 66 aircraft from Lockheed Martin. The aircraft, identified as serial numbers 6727 and 6728, left on 17 August U.S. time and were tracked leaving Lockheed Martin-related facilities before heading across the Pacific.
The jets are due to land at Taiwan’s Chihhang area operations, with the first batch intended for deployment with the air force’s 7th Tactical Fighter Wing. Their departure comes after repeated setbacks to the programme, including production-line relocation and supply-chain disruption that pushed back the delivery schedule. Taiwan has treated the F-16V Block 70 acquisition as a core part of its airpower modernisation, and the first movement of aircraft under the deal is being watched closely by defence officials and industry observers alike.